workplace accident

What Happens if You Fall Off an Oil Rig?

Workers falling from oil rigs usually suffer severe injuries and even death.  Since workers often work on elevated rigs, the danger of falling into the ocean or onto the rig floor is real. While dangerous falls from oil rigs can usually be avoided if oil companies take necessary safety precautions, employers often neglect these duties until someone gets hurt. When a worker is injured or killed falling from an oil rig, negligent employers need to be held responsible for their actions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gCWBb1FMro On oil rigs, many accidents involve workers falling from heights or slipping and falling on other surfaces. For example, when working on platforms, overhead equipment and machinery can fall and strike a worker, pushing them off a platform. Other common platform hazards include missing safety harnesses, defective guardrails, poorly constructed structures, and accumulations of snow, ice, or water.  When working at ground level, workers can trip on exposed cables or slip on wet or slippery surfaces. Improper footwear, poor lighting, and debris and other tripping hazards can also cause workers to slip and fall off an oil rig.  Workers who are injured falling off an oil rig can pursue compensation for their injuries, as can the families of…

Should I Report a Minor Injury at Work?

Yes, you should always report a minor injury at work. A minor injury at work may seem like a small matter, but not reporting all of your injuries can lead to a significant regret down the road. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHV-kBvK4JE While reporting a minor workplace injury can feel like a tedious waste of time, there could be long-term consequences for your health and finances if your injury isn't reported. A minor workplace injury might not entitle you to receive workers' comp benefits, what might initially appear to be a minor injury could get worse or develop into more serious injuries down the road. By immediately reporting all injuries to your employer, no matter how small you think they are, you can ensure that you're covered if your injury ends up being worse than you think. Is it illegal not to report an accident at work?  While generally it is not illegal for an employee to fail to report an injury at work, it is probably against your employer's policies for you to do so. Many employers require their employees to report accidents within 24 hours. If you don't, it could result in you being suspended without pay or reprimanded. In these cases,…

The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits

Brain injuries are serious, and recovery can be painful and expensive. If someone else was responsible for your brain injury, you could be entitled to receive reimbursement for the money you’ve spent and the suffering you’ve endured.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ What should I do if I suffer a brain injury at work?  If you suffered a brain injury at work, it's crucial that you take fast action to safeguard your rights. When you experience head trauma in a workplace accident, you should notify your employer and seek medical attention immediately. Brain injuries are notoriously unpredictable, so even if you think it’s no big deal at the time, you could suffer brain damage or other severe injuries in the future.  A physician can determine the specific type of brain injury you have through x-rays, MRIs, CT scans and other diagnostic evaluations. You should never delay seeking medical treatment if it is possible that you experienced serious head trauma. After receiving medical treatment, you should also regularly photograph your injury and document the following: Pain and symptoms Medical appointmentsMedications and their side effectsAny time you missed work for recovery or to see medical providers The effect your injury has on your ability to take care of…

The Ultimate Guide to Offshore Accidents

According to a study of offshore fatalities by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chance of being killed while working in the oil and gas extraction industry is seven times higher than for all workers in the United States.  We’ve put together a quick guide to offshore accidents and what you should do if you are injured in one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vd_HVPtPf4&feature=youtu.be What Is an Offshore Accident? The term “offshore” generally means the injured worker was working on navigable water.  It is also a term generally used to refer to the extraction of oil and gas from reservoirs found beneath the seafloor by oil and gas companies. These operations require laborers to work offshore on various types of rigs, barges, and platforms.  The perils of being at sea, severe weather conditions, the nature of working with oil and gas, and the size of offshore drilling vessels contribute to the frequency of offshore incidents, making offshore work incredibly risky. The kind of physical work required of maritime workers also creates hazards that can result in injury or death. Common types of injuries involved in offshore accidents include: BurnsHead traumaTwisted jointsSprained jointsBack injuriesSpinal cord injuriesNeck injuriesBruised, broken, or fractured bones DrowningTraumatic brain injuries…